Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3,360, Joshua Ensmingar, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Ensminger, Joshua
R 3,360
Born in Md.
CONTENTS

State of Indiana } Shelby County ss }
In the Probate Court of Shelby County August Term 1841
On this 10 th day of August in the year of Our Lord eighteen hundred and forty one, Personally ap- peared before the Honorable Jacob Kennedy Judge of said Court now in session — Joshua Ensminger a resi- dent of Liberty Township in the County of Shelby and State of Indiana, aged Eighty one years (on the 8 th of March last) who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provi- sions made by the act of Congress passed the 7 th of June 1832. That he entered the service of the United States (as a private) under the following named Officers; and served as herein stated — Our Colonel's name was Samuel Vance, Our Captain's name was John B. Bary, Our Lieutenant's name was William Deen; and our Ensign's name was William Bowler —
Some time in the fall of the year 1780, (and which time I do not distinctly recollect, but from the certificate of service which I received from the above mentioned officers I believe said time to have been about the 23 rd day of October) I was drafted from the Militia of Augusta County in the State of Virginia, (where I then resided) and rendezvoused with (about 30) other recruits for the American Army about that time, at the Paynter Gap Mill in said County of Augusta, at which place we were put under the Command of Sergeant John Huggard and were moved under his command the next day to Staunton in the same County Where we with others were formed into a Company under the Command of Captain John Bary under command of whom with the above named Lieutenant and Ensign we marched from Staunton by the way of Winchester and across the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry through Frederick in the State of Maryland, We continued our March stopping a day or two at a time occasionally until we arrived at a Fort occupied by the American troops, about two Miles above York Town on the York River, said Fort was situated on the opposite & Northerly

side of the river from York Town - At this fort we met our Colonel (Samuel Vance) who had left us at Staunton the day before we marched from there, - Our Company remained in the fort until some time in the Spring, when our company and two other Companies were stationed about three fourths of a mile down the River from the fort where we were occupied in dig- ging a trench or ditch across a neck of land from the river to a bay to protect our troops from the enemies light horse we were occupied in digging said trench about three weeks. When we had completed the trench we were marched back to the fort where we arrived there, we were informed that the enemy had landed on the same side of the river, and but a short distance below us. The same or the next day a part of our Troops, myself saying the rest, our Captain, Lieut- enant, Ensign, and about twenty five others of our Company - ( (I think ours was called the third Company, we had seventy three men in it including the Officers) were ordered out of the fort; We marched down the river and across the trench that we had dug, and beyond it about half a mile, where we made a halt and remained until some time in the afternoon when we were attacked by the enemy, - after exchanging a few shots with them we were ordered to retreat, which we did back to the fort and arrived there about sunset, we lost in this engagement (I think) six men killed, - After this our company remained in and about the fort for several weeks, when a part of our troops myself among them, had another engagement which took place near the same ground where the first did, I think the Americans loss (in killed) about sixty men - Our Company had five men killed (I do not recollect their names) - Our company belonged to the tenth regiment which was commanded by Colonel Samuel Vance from Greenbrier County in the State of Virginia - The last engagement above mentioned took place a few days before the surrender of Cornwallis - I was present and saw Cornwallis surrender his sword, I think it was Lafayette who received his sword - General Washington, Lafayette and other officers were present - this took place about a mile below the fort above mentioned and on the same side of the river, about the middle of the day or a little after, The officer who received Cornwallis' sword returned it to him after a short time, I have forgotten the name of the fort and the names of Most of the officers that were there, those whom I recollect besides those above mentioned were Colonel Lee & Major Fletcher - Genl. Washington was not with  at the Army when I first went to the fort - On the 24 th day of October 1781 and a few days after the surrender of Cornwallis I got my discharge which I now have in my possession and design to enclose it in this application - I lost said discharge in the State of Virginia about forty years ago - And supposed it had been with some evil intent taken from my possession and burnt or

destroyed, - but I lately and unexpectedly about the first of June last (1841) received the same from the hand of William Hunter - a son of a Brother in law of mine by the name of James Hunter - I was informed by said William that said James Hunter died about the 1 st of April last in Monroe County - Virginia - and that said James on his death bed requested said William to give said paper to me and stated that about forty or 41 years ago he took said paper with several others from my possession and without my knowledge - I am well satisfied that the same is the discharge or certificate which I received from my officers in October 1781, - The following is a copy of it to wit: "We the undersigned do certify that Joshua Ensminger has served one year in Gen. Washington's Campaign in 1781 and was in the battle and surrender of Cornwallis, We do testify that he was under our command at the surrender of Cornwallis at Little York - Given from under our hands this 23 rd of October A.D. 1781" (signed) "Col. Samuel Vance Capt. John B. Baxy, Lieut. William Dean, En. William Bowler".
I was born on the 2 nd day of March 1768 in the State of Maryland near the Sugar Loaf (I have an old statement that my father was a native of England) At the time I was drafted I lived in Augusta County Virginia. I remained in the service as above stated from the time I entered the same in the fall of the year 1780 till the 24 th day of October 1781, and then received the above mentioned certificate or discharge, since which time I have lived in the following places, to wit - after said discharge I returned and lived in Augusta County Virginia about two years, when the County was divided which left me in Bath County, where I lived about 2 years, and then went to Botetourt County and lived there about five years, I then went to the County of Rockbridge and lived there about thirteen years, I then went to the County of Monroe where I lived about 6 years, I then went to the County of Randolph and lived there about twenty years, (all in the State of Virginia) and from the last mentioned County I came to Shelby County Indiana where I now reside and have lived for the space of about 12 years. I do not know where any record of my age is to be found except the statement I have always referred to. I do not know of any person whose testimony I can procure, who can testify, to my services in the Army as above set forth nor do I know of any documentary evidence except the certificate above copied - I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Joshua Ensminger his mark
Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year first above mentioned.
John Bell Morris (Clerk)
We Amos Sparks a clergyman residing in the County of Shelby and State of Indiana and David Hacher residing in the same do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joshua Ensminger who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be Eighty one years; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Amos Sparks David Hacher.

The foregoing certificate sworn to and subscribed by said Amos Sparks & David Thacker in Open Court this 10 th day of August 1841.
Sylvan B. Morris Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, And the Court further Certifies that Amos Sparks who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in said County of Shelby, and that David Thacker who has also signed the same, is a resident in said County and is a credible person, and that their Statement is entitled to credit
Jacob Kimerly Judge of Probate Ct
I Sylvan B. Morris Clerk of the Probate Court of said County of Shelby in the State of Indiana do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Joshua Eneminger for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Shelbyville this 10 th day of August in the year Eighteen hundred & fortyone.
Sylvan B. Morris Clerk
N.B. This is to certify that I Sylvan B Morris being Clerk of the "Shelby Circuit Court" and Also Ex officio Clerk of the "Probate Court of Shelby County" aforesaid, inadvertently set the Seal of the said Circuit Court to the above certificate - And I hereby set the seal of the Probate Court of said County as designed to authenticate the above certificate this 11 th day of August A.D. 1841
Sylvan B Morris Clerk
35.237 Joshua Eneminger Declaration
ENS MING AR. JOSHUA (VA) R-3360

Rev. War Section
mmk AW Qu
June 14, 1922
Mrs. Harry M. Moberly 734 South Harrison Street Shelbyville, Indiana
Madam:
In response to your letter of April 27, 1922, you are advised that from the papers in the pension claim R. 3360 of Joshua Eneminger it appears that he was born March 8, 1760 in Maryland near the Sugar Loaf.
He applied for pension August 10, 1841 while living in Liberty Township, Shelby County, Indiana, aged 81 years and alleged that he enlisted in Augusta County, Virginia about October 23, 1780 and served in Captain John B. Bary's Company, Colonel Samuel Vance's Virginia Regiment, was in two or three skirmishes, was present at the surrender of Cornwallis and was discharged October 24, 1781.
His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of the alleged service. It is not stated whether he ever married. The above noted is the only Joshua Eneminger found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

EP 51100-00000-00000 (VA) R-20000

We the undersigned do certify that Soshua Ensign has served one year in Gen. Washington Campaign in 1781 and was in the battle and surre- nder of Cornwallis we do testify that he was under our Command at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown Given from under our hands this 2nd day of October A.D. 1781    Col  Samuel  Wheeler    Lt  John  B. Wheeler    En  William  Dyer    En  William  Bowler  

OFFICERS OF BOARD
SAMUEL J. MILLER, PRESIDENT THOMAS GRANT, VICE-PRESIDENT WM. M. JONES, FINANCIAL SECRETARY CHAS. F. KENNEDY, RECORDING SEC'Y
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
JOHN ISENBERGER A. B. CARTER EDGAR E. PHILLIPS THOMAS GRANT
NOTICE STAMP
OFFICE OF H. M. MOBERLY SUPT. OF POULTRY SHELBYVILLE, INDIANA
April 27 - 1922.
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions: Washington, D.C.
MEMBERS
 G. R. KEMPER COLUMBUS  S. W. TAYLOR BOONVILLE  H. M. MOBERLY SHELBYVILLE  E. W. PICKHARDT HUNTINGBURG  L. WALTER BREAKS CRAWFORDSVILLE  CHAS. N. LINDLEY SALEM  S. F. MAX PUETT ROCKVILLE  I. N. BROWN FRANKLIN  EDGAR E. PHILLIPS WALTON  S. J. MILLER R. R. A-1, INDIANAPOLIS  A. B. CARTER DANVILLE  G. Y. HEPLER SOUTH BEND  CHAS. L. SMITH MONTPELIER  U. C. BROUSE KENDALLVILLE  JOHN ISENBERGER NORTH MANCHESTER  THOMAS GRANT LOWELL 
Dear Sir:  Is there a record of the military services of Joshua Ensminger, who was a Revolutionary soldier and enlisted from the state of Pennsylvania. Thanking you for any information you may be able to give me I remain Yours Respt, Mrs. Harry M. Moberly,
734 S. Harrison St. Shelbyville, Ind.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
3360
P. O.
Joshua Osminger
Service:
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: Printed list of 1852 gives cause of rejection
Re-enlisted: as "Fraudulent"
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contr
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

35237-
Joshua Ensminger
Ind 
Act 7. June '32

Hall of Representatives January 22. 1846
W. W. Webb respects to the Commission of pensions. The Commission will be as good as to add up a note to W. W. W. on the subject of the accompanying letter, & return the same.
No Answer

24. Aug 1841.
Cares of Isabella & Elizabeth Warren
Mr Alston
Hon. J. S. Edwards Comr of Pensions, Washington City D. C. (Care of Hon. David Wallace Member of Congress from Indiana if still residing at Washington - otherwise to Commission of Pensions as above.)
FREE

24. Aug 1841.
Cares of Jessica J. E. Elizabeth
Mr. Alton
FREE
How. D. Wallace
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions, Washington City D. C. (Care of Hon. David Wallace Member of Congress from Indiana if still Remaining at Washington — otherwise to Commission of Pensions as above.)

Shelbyville August 16 th 1841 Hon d David Wallace
Dear Sir
Enclosed you find Applications for Pensions in favor of Joshua Enaminger, and Elizabeth Harsin (a widow) Citizens of our County - also an application of said Elizabeth Harsin for arrears of pension due to the time of her husband's death -
I enclose them to your care hoping that you may still be at Washington, and that the arrears of Pension may possibly be obtained before you leave the City. She is in very feeble & very indigent circumstances, and has long been delayed in this, by the loss of former papers which were forwarded for the purpose in 1839 - Your attention will be gratefully appreciated.
Very Respectfully yours &c
Royal Mayhew
direct by Conn to address the letter from the office to R. Mayhew

W Joshua Emminges Indiana.
Rejected
See let. 25 Aug. W. R. Mayhew,
3366
(fraudulent claim)
Let to Hon. W. W. Wick
Jan'y 29. '46. same Feb 9. 1846
Let to Hon. W. W. Wick
July 2. '47
Act 7 June 1832.

Wm. W. W. Wick
July 2-47

Pension Office 15 July 2 nd 1847
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Communication of the 19 th Ult. and agreeably to the your request to enclose herewith an extract from My letter of 25 th August 1841 to R. Mayhew, and a copy of one to yourself dated 29 th January 1846. respecting the Claim of Joshua Ensminger, an applicant for a pension under the Act of 7 June 1832 from Indiana.
Mr Mayhew's letter to you was returned with My Answer to your note of 22 nd Jany 1846 in conformity with your directions.
The following is a true Copy of that note which is the only Communication from you filed with Ensminger's papers, transmitted in compliance with your request.
"House of Representatives
January 22 nd 1846
M r W. W. Wick's respects to the Commission of Pensions. The Commission will be so good as to add a note to M r W. W. on the subject of the accompanying letter, and return the same.
Hon M r W. W. Wick Pension Office Sir

June 28/47 Purvis Case of 147 Ensign ass't Comdr. U.S.N.
FREE
From W. W. Wick
Hon. Com. of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington D.C.
J.C.

June 28/
Perpet Case of 47 Examining & cost of Copies &c
FREE
John W. W. Webb
Hon. Secy. of Pension
Pension Office
Washington City
J. G.

Shelbyville Indiana June 19. 1877
Hon. Com. of Pensions. Sir.
During the first session of the late Congress I addressed you a note of enquiry concerning the fate of the application of — Eisinger for a pension. You answered by a note, stating that the application had been rejected for the reason that the discharge presented was a forgery, & because the applicant failed in correctness as to matters of history. Afterwards I think you told me, in conversation that Royal Mayhew, Mr Eisinger's attorney had been notified of the rejection of the application & of the reasons. I sent your response to Mr Mayhew, who did not communicate the same to his client. To satisfy Eisinger's friends, he is good as to transmit me copies of Mayhew's letter, & of your answers thereto, to my usual address at Indianapolis Ind. as soon as you conveniently can, and oblige
Yours very respectfully
H. W. Hick

Pursuant of Act Feb 9. 1846.
Sir,
In reply to the first paragraph of your letter of the 5 th inst. in relation to the claim of Joshua Ensminger, an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832, I have the honor to state that the enclosed extract from my letter of the 25 th August 1841 to R Mayhew, Esq., will shew why the claim was rejected.
R7006
The papers in support of the claim of Katharine Makey widow of Jacob Makey were  was examined on the 21 st October last. The result thereof will be found in a copy of a letter to Messrs J L & A T Smith, of this City, herewith enclosed.
35237 Ind a act 62 up
Hon W. W. Wick P.R.
10765 Ind a 38

Wm. W. W. Stick
June 29 '46

Sir
548 Pm H
Jany 29 46
I have the honor to return you Mr Mayhew's letter respecting the case of Joshua Ensminger and to desire to be informed as to the object of your correspondent. That claim was presented by him in '41 and rejected not only because of the forged certificate by which it was attempted to sustain it, but because the statement of service exhibited a total ignorance of the service in which he alleged he was engaged.
Yours W. W. Wick
H. R.

Rayal Mayhew
Augt. 25, '41
O.C.

Pen: Office
Aug t 25, 1841
Sir,
The papers in support of the claim of Joshua Eminger under act 7 th June 1832 for alleged revolutionary service from October 1780 to October 1781, have been examined. The paper purporting to be a discharge is a fabrication. The claim has therefore been rejected and the papers filed in this office.
N o 10982, allowed
The claim of Mrs Elizabeth H. Nassin widow of Garret Nassin died has also been examined. Her husband died 24 th September 1838. The act of 7 th July 1838 does not provide for any widow who was not such at the time of the passage of that act. Her claim has therefore been rejected, and the papers filed.
Mr. Royal Mayhew Shelbyville. Ind a
O. C. 35.237 at 32 cent. in dls. N. 7976 at 38 c

It is clear that if any service was performed at all, it was only during the siege at York Town and did not exceed two months. The officers, military,